Japanese band to play ukulele - Hawaii's little guitar＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invited Japanese band U900 (Ukulele Duo Dolls) to Hong Kong. Using puppets, live music, videos, interaction and the strings of the ukulele (Hawaii's little guitar), the band promises to bring joy and happiness to the audience.

The band U900, founded by the "woollen dolls" Rabbit U and Bear 900, brings joy and sweet music to the listeners by playing the ukulele. The band will not only play familiar songs, such as "London Bridge is Falling Down", "Twist and Shout" and "Diamond Head", but also teach the audience how to play ukulele. In addition to videos, live projection and singalong choruses, the audience will be delighted with the charm of the ukulele.

The band was founded in 2009. Originally, Rabbit U wanted to be a "guitar hero", but normal guitars were too big for him so had to give up his dream. Then he went on a trip to find what he wanted to be. In Hawaii he discovered the ukulele, and as it was more his size he decided to play it. Back in Japan, he had an auspicious encounter – he met Bear 900 playing a ukulele in a Tokyo park. The two guys enjoyed each other's company so they started the ukulele band U900.

In the 19th century, the small four-string guitar known as the ukulele, sometimes abbreviated to "uke", was introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants and became a popular instrument. Although small in size, it can be used to play a variety of music, including children songs, popular songs, or even complex jazz.

"U900 Ukulele HK Concert 2011" (Japan) is one of the attractions of "Family Fun 2011". It will be staged at 8pm on March 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on March 5, at the Theatre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre. Ticket prices at $180 and $140 are now available at all URBTIX outlets, on Internet and by credit card telephone booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients (CSSA)(limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). A maximum discount of 20% is offered for special booking and group booking. Please refer to the programme leaflet for details.